1988 Outbreak of Pesticide Poisoning Linked to Taquitos, California

Six people became ill after eating taquitos. Five of the people developed grand mal seizures. The taquitos were a commercial product sold frozen in sealed plastic bags of 48. A consumer sample of taquitos was tested and found to contain Endrin, a pesticide that is known to cause seizures. The Endrin was found in the tortilla portion of the taquito and not in the meat filling. Additional samples of taquitos, obtained from the discount store and from the production plant, found no evidence of the pesticide. The source of the Endrin was not determined.

Overview

Outbreak began:March 1988
Affected country:US
States/territories:CA
Pathogen:Pesticide Poisoning
Vehicle(s):Taquito
Location(s):Retail
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:6

Sources & documents

Recall notices
Report / reference links